Traditional Braces
Getting braces can happen at any age. For most people, their first orthodontic evaluation happens sometime around the age of 7. At this point in development, a child’s smile is beginning to experience a transition into the teeth they’ll have for the rest of their life. Developmentally, we’re able to see into the future and intervene if potential orthodontic risks are noted.
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
At your child’s evaluation, we’ll take an X-ray to see where adult teeth are developing and how they related to surrounding teeth. Early intervention lessens the extent of orthodontic therapy or complications later on.
Schedule a consultation if your child has experienced:
- Premature tooth loss
- Prolonged dummy, thumb or finger sucking
- Speech abnormalities
- Lack of self-esteem
- Difficulty eating
- Short mandible (lower jaw)
- Popping or clicking in their TMJ
- Abnormal tooth wear
Caring for Your Smile During Treatment
It’s crucial to practice impeccable oral hygiene during your orthodontic therapy. When people do not brush or floss thoroughly, plaque tends to accumulate around each of the fixed appliances. Over time, this higher level of bacteria can cause irreversible tooth damage or aesthetically displeasing colouration, such as white circles around each bracket.
Floss daily, using a threader, handheld flosser designed for braces or with a water flosser. Using supplemental fluoride before bed will help to remineralise weakened tooth enamel, lowering your risk of cavities.
Braces for Adults
Traditional orthodontics is an affordable treatment for adults with moderate to severe tooth misalignment. If you’ve been told that you don’t qualify for a removable braces design such as ClearCorrect, then conventional therapy is a great option to consider.
Living With Braces
You’ll want to modify some of your daily habits to avoid breaking or damaging your fixed appliances. Avoid sticky, hard or crunchy foods (such as carrot sticks or taffy) and cut up firmer foods into smaller bites. Should a bracket or wire ever fall off, contact our office to have it put back.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
As with any type of dental treatment, the length of time needed to wear braces is different from one person to the next. Most of our patients complete their therapy in about a year. Short-term aesthetic cases focused on the front teeth may only take 6-9 months.
We’ll be able to provide you with an estimated treatment length at the time of your orthodontic exam.
TAKE THAT FIRST STEP TOWARDS A STRAIGHT SMILE
Find out if braces are right for you or your child. Contact us today to request a consultation.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.